🎥 WATCH: Why Aikido Is Hard to Explain
Some people ask me to explain Aikido.
But the truth is… Aikido doesn’t always translate well into words.
And that’s not a flaw.
In this week’s training reflection, I talk about why sensation often teaches faster than explanation — and why repeating movement in the dojo can reveal things that analysis never will.
If you’ve ever had a moment where a technique suddenly clicked without anyone explaining it…
this video is for you.
🎥 Watch here:
https://youtu.be/G4e_6hFwyO8
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🎥 WATCH: The Real Way Aikido Is Learned: Feeling Before Thinking

🌿 Your Practice Prompt
In your next class, notice how quickly you begin analyzing technique in your mind.
Instead of stopping to explain or think through every movement, try repeating the technique several times while staying attentive to sensation — balance, pressure, connection, and timing.
See if understanding emerges through movement rather than through explanation.
Share your experience—I read every reply.
- -
Lia Suzuki
Author
• The Teacher
• Mastering The Shoto
Director: Aikido Kenkyukai International USA
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🗓 Upcoming Seminars
2026
- May 28-31
Aikido Kenkyukai Los Angeles
Senseis Hiroshi Ikeda, Lia Suzuki, and Bruno Gonzalez
Los Angeles, California, USA - June 13-14
Aikido Wexford
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Wexford, Ireland - June 20-21
Marple Aikido
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Marple, Stockport, Cheshire, UK
⭐ 30TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE
This year’s Summer Camp marks 30 years of Aikido Kenkyukai International USA.
Click to join the notification list and be first to receive registration details.
- July 15-19
AKI USA Annual Summer Camp & 30th Anniversary Celebration
Lia Suzuki Sensei and others
Los Angeles, California, USA - August 29-30
Shanghai Xijiao Aikido Dojo 15th Anniversary Celebration
Lia Suzuki Sensei & Others
Shanghai, China - September 14-15
PSV Heidelberg Aikido Sansuikai Dojo
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Heidelberg, Germany - September 16-20
Bewegung & Lebenskunst Bonn
Lia Suzuki Sensei
- - September 16-17: Yudansha Seminar
- - September 18-20: Mixed Levels Seminar
Bonn, Germany - September TBD
Aikido Shinboku e.V.
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Düsseldorf, Germany - September 25-27
Aiki Dojo Sehnde
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Sehnde, Germany - October 2-4
Mountain West Aikido - Livingston
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Livingston, CO, USA - October 9-12
Redlands Aikikai
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Redlands, CA, USA
2027
- September
Ima Juku Aikido
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Baarn, Netherlands - More Seminars added soon...
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